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Physical factors affecting glaciated landscapes (Climate (If temperatures…
Physical factors affecting glaciated landscapes
Climate
Aeolian Processes - Erosion, transportation and deposition
Precipitation is the main input of a glacier, providing snow, sleet or rain
In high latitude glaciated landscape systems, precipitation totals may be extremely low
Vostock Station in Antarctica has a mean annual precipitation total of only 4.5mm
Higher altitude places have much more total precipitation
In Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, over 600mm per annum is typical
The greater the seasonal variation in precipitation, the more varied the mass balance of the glacier will be
In lower latitudes there is much less seasonal variation in precipitation compared to high altitudes
If temperatures rise above 0°C ice will melt and outputs will become greater
High altitude glaciers may experience significant periods in the summer months of above zero temperatures and melting.
In high latitudes, temperatures may never rise above zero and so no melting occurs
This is why ice sheets are so thick in polar regions, despite very low precipitation inputs
Geology
Lithology is the physical and chemical composition of the rocks
Structure is the properties of individual rock types such as jointing, bedding and faulting
Latitude and Altitude
Latitude
Altitude
Relief and Aspect
Relief
Aspect